HARRISON, N.Y. — The Harrison Daily Voice accepts signed, original letters to the editor. Letters may be e-mailed to pstapleton@dailyvoice.com.

To our teachers, staff, parents, friends and neighbors

An open letter of gratitude from the members of the White Plains Board of Education

Albert Schweitzer once wrote, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” This sentiment has never been more relevant than today.

Over the past several days, our lives and the lives of our neighbors have been challenged by extraordinary events, provoking extraordinary and wonderful responses from our staff and our community. The White Plains Board of Education would like to express its gratitude to the outstanding and selfless people who have taught, protected and provided for our students and their families during these difficult days.

Neighbors provided food, shelter and warmth without reservation. Our facilities staff, utility workers, city engineers and so many others are still working non-stop to restore power and heat to our schools and homes.

Braving power outages, fallen trees and gas shortages, our teachers, administrators, nurses and the many other critical staff in our schools came to work and enabled our schools to open and function again.

The past few days have been challenging, but they have also reaffirmed how much White Plains is truly a community that cares. By your example, you have taught our children that service, particularly in time of need, is an indispensable part of living in such a community

On behalf of the students of the City of White Plains, the Board of Education would like to thank you for your service and your support.